Hyderabad: A total of 3685 persons from across the State were selected for Haj pilgrimage 2019 through the “Qurrah” draw of lots held by the Telangana State Haj Committee on Saturday.

A total of 12,884 applications were received by the Telangana State Haj Committee from across the State. The pilgrims were allotted a “cover number” (registration number) by the committee, and selected through a computerized draw of lots.

The programme was held on a low profile following announcement of notification for the Panchayat Raj polls by the Election Commission. Telangana State Haj Committee Special Officer, S A Shukhoor, Advisor to Government on Minority Affairs, A K Khan and Telangana State Wakf Board CEO Shahnawaz Qasim attended the event. Hundreds of applicants from across the State had come to the Haj House to participate in the draw of lots.

Speaking on the occasion, Shukhoor said that the draw of lots is done in a transparent manner and computerized software without any human interference. “It is being done to avoid allegations of favouritism by the committee. Everything is transparent and all the application numbers are feed into the system” he said.

The persons who were selected were in jubilant mood on coming to know about it. Those who were not selected were informed by the TS Haj Committee that there is still a chance for them as they are kept in waiting list. Whenever, there is cancellation or allotment of the additional quota a few of more Haj aspirants could get opportunity.